Echo: Allen on fantastic fans

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Joe Allen hopes Liverpool FC's fightback to earn a point at Sunderland kick-starts their Premier League campaign.

The Reds fell short in their mission to secure victory for the supporters at the end of an emotional week following the release of the Hillsborough report.

But the Wales international, who hailed the backing Brendan Rodgers' side received from the away end, insists the dominant nature of the performance bodes well for the season ahead.

"We wanted to do it for the fans," said Allen.

"We spoke about that before the game. It's been a tough week for everyone and it's unfortunate we couldn't give the fans the three points. They gave us fantastic support until the end and they kept us going.

"It's disappointing we only got a point.

"It was a soft goal for us to give away and it's always tough to chase the game, especially away from home.

"Sunderland are a tough team to play against, they gave everything and make it as difficult as possible for us to get back into it.

"But having said that, there were enough chances for us to have won the game. We controlled the game and the biggest positive is the spirit we showed after going behind.

"Nine times out of 10, you show spirit and commitment like that and you won't go too far wrong.

"The ability and quality is there."

The Reds fell behind against the run of play in the first half when Steven Fletcher punished some poor defending.

Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard were both denied by the woodwork before Luis Suarez slammed home an equaliser 19 minutes from time.

It means Liverpool have only taken two points from their opening four games but Allen is convinced they will swiftly climb the table over the coming weeks.

"We don't want to start making excuses and putting too much down to luck but there's definitely an element of that at the moment, you can't deny it," he added.

"It seems to take the opposition one chance to get a goal. We keep plugging away and do everything right and it hasn't quite clicked at times.

"But it will click.

"I'm confident it will and we're really looking forward to it happening."

Raheem Sterling played a starring role in earning Liverpool a point at the Stadium of Light as the young winger caused Sunderland plenty of problems.

It was his cross which led to Suarez's goal and Allen was impressed by the teenager's all-round performance.

"You forget how young Raheem is, given the way he plays," said Allen.

"It's fantastic for him, and to continue right up to the 90th minute at that level is very impressive.